After nearly 30 years of calling Santa Monica home, Elena never imagined she would find herself living in her van with her beloved dog, Luca. Due to unexpected family circumstances and rising housing costs, Elena lost her home and spent three and a half years navigating life without a place to call her own. 

“It was very uncomfortable for a woman over 50 and for a dog over 10 years old,” Elena shared. 

Even during that difficult chapter, Elena found kindness in her community. Neighbors treated her with respect, and local organizations provided support that helped her move forward. Through connections with resources like Step Up’s food bank, Elena eventually found housing back in Santa Monica. 

“Due to some help from people who cared and, of course, the food banks, we were able to get housed,” she said. “Thank you to everybody. And I mean everybody.” 

Today, Elena continues to visit Step Up for food bank services and cooking classes. These resources have helped her rediscover something she deeply missed while living in her van: the ability to cook. 

“That’s what I missed about house life, having a kitchen,” Elena said. 

For Elena, Step Up’s food bank provides more than just food. Fresh ingredients like meat, chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, and herbs allow her to prepare nutritious meals with dignity and choice. 

“Having fresh ingredients means I can cook my own meals and know what I’m putting into my body,“ Elena said.  

What makes Step Up’s food bank unique, Elena shared, is the care and thoughtfulness behind every distribution. Staff members take the time to know the people who return week after week, learning their preferences and dietary needs. Rather than simply handing out items, they thoughtfully select food that helps people feel seen, supported, and excited to cook. 

“You can feel that they really care,” Elena said. “They’re not just handing you food and sending you on your way. They take the time to make sure you’re getting groceries you’ll actually use and enjoy.” 

For Elena, that personal connection makes all the difference. Step Up provides not only fresh ingredients, but also a sense of belonging and respect. 

The support Elena receives has allowed her not only to rebuild her own life, but also to pay that kindness forward. Every few weeks, she prepares homemade chicken soup as a way to care for people experiencing homelessness in her community. 

Today, Elena is grateful to have a home, a kitchen, and a community that supported her along the way. She continues to share that kindness with others, one meal at a time.

Elena’s story of hope and progress is made possible in part thanks to the programs and services supported by people like you. To help bring more individuals like Elena fresh ingredients for a homemade meal, make a donation today!